Championing Community and Visibility: Dr David Leonard on ‘PAs for parkrun’
As the Physician Associate (PA) profession continues to grow across the UK, visibility and public understanding remain key. At Brunel University London, Dr David R. Leonard, Founding Programme Lead and Reader for the Physician Associate MSc, is spearheading an initiative that connects health professionals with their local communities in a simple yet powerful way: parkrun.
In this interview, Dr Leonard reflects on why 2025 is a pivotal year for PAs to step into public spaces, the power of shared wellbeing, and how running, walking, and volunteering can shape the profession’s future.
Why visibility matters now
“While the physician assistant/associate profession is well-established in the United States, it’s still relatively new in the UK,” explains Dr Leonard. “That’s why visibility is so important right now, especially when misinformation and misconceptions about the role are circulating in the media.”
He emphasises the unique model of the PA profession:
“Physician associates have always practiced under the supervision of a doctor. While there’s some autonomy within that dependent relationship, it’s that ongoing connection with the supervising physician that makes the role so effective.”
Community connection through parkrun
Dr Leonard sees parkrun, a free, volunteer-led, weekly community event, as an ideal platform for PAs to connect with the public outside traditional clinical settings.
“parkrun brings together a huge community every Saturday morning. In the UK alone, there are more than 1,300 events. Just last week, over 200,000 people took part – and another 32,000 joined junior parkruns on Sunday,” he says. “Globally, 23 countries participate. It’s an incredible network.”
Promoting wellbeing by doing
For Dr Leonard, PAs at parkrun represent more than participation – they embody health advocacy in action.
“It’s up to all healthcare providers to model healthy habits. Seeing a large group of PAs ‘promoting wellbeing by doing’ sends a powerful message.”
He points to research showing the inclusive benefits of parkrun for both physical and mental health:
“parkrun is for everyone – walkers, joggers, runners, and volunteers. I honestly believe every doctor and PA should prescribe a parkrun at every encounter. I wish my GP had done so ten years ago!”
(See research links below for more on parkrun’s health impact.)
Challenging misconceptions
Events like PAs for parkrun, he believes, offer a unique way to build public trust and break down barriers.
“When large numbers of PAs come together for such a beloved community event, it naturally starts conversations. Those conversations can help counter the one-sided narratives people may have seen online.”
He recalls volunteering at his local Black Park parkrun while recovering from injury:
“Chatting with other walkers, the conversation often turned to what I did for a living. It became a great opportunity to explain the PA role in real terms.”
Inspiring pride among students and professionals
Brunel’s PAs for parkrun event will bring together Year 1 and Year 2 MSc students, alumni, educators, and supporters.
“It’s a moment of pride for the profession,” Dr Leonard says. “For students, it offers a glimpse of what their future could look like – a sense of belonging to something bigger, part of a global PA Week celebration.”
Personal reflections and global connections
Dr Leonard has long admired the visibility of PA Week celebrations in the US.
“One of my home programmes in New York City always celebrates PA Week outside the Today Show in Rockefeller Plaza – they’re even interviewed on live television!” he laughs.
“I’ve always wanted to do something similar here in the UK. As an avid parkrunner and volunteer, PAs for parkrun felt like the perfect way to celebrate PA Week – promote wellbeing, support a brilliant organisation, and showcase the profession in a positive light. It’s a win-win-win.”
Looking ahead
Dr Leonard hopes this year’s initiative will inspire others across the UK and beyond.
“I’ve reached out to the PA Schools Council to spread the word to other programmes, and even to colleagues in New York City and Africa through GACOPA (the Global Association of Clinical Officers and Physician Associates). With parkrun operating in 23 countries, the opportunities seem endless.”
He smiles:
“Next year, I’d like to do even more!”
About Dr David R. Leonard
David R. Leonard, DHSc, MMS, PA-C/R, Dip.Act.
Founding Programme Lead and Reader, Physician Associate MSc, Brunel University London
Dr Leonard began his PA career in the US, earning his degrees from Saint Francis University and completing his doctorate at Nova Southeastern University. His clinical background spans correctional healthcare, while his teaching experience includes posts at leading institutions in both the US and UK.
He has contributed to medical device research, served as a consultant for companies such as Cordis and Boston Scientific, and continues to teach at the University of California – Berkeley. His academic interests extend to Early Modern History and Literature, and his upcoming podcast series, Brunel PAs CONNECT, launches in autumn 2025.
Further reading: The health impact of parkrun
